The Best Turkish Shawarma at Home In 6 Steps

Turkish Shawarma, a Middle Eastern staple, holds a special place in Turkish cuisine. Locally known as döner kebab, its origins can be traced back to the Ottoman era. Layers of seasoned meat, stacked on a vertical spit and slowly roasted, offer a unique and flavorful experience.

Ingredients for Turkish Shawarma

• For the Meat:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
• For the Shawarma Wrap:
  • 4 large lavash flatbreads
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomato
  • 1/2 cup chopped lettuce
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Marinate the Meat: Combine all meat ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. For better flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Shawarma: Heat a large grill pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto a skewer, ensuring they are tightly packed.
4. Cook the shawarma for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through. remove from the heat and allow to rest for five minutes.
5. Warm the lavash flatbreads according to package instructions. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the flatbread, then top with sliced shawarma, onion, tomato, lettuce, and parsley.
6. Roll up the flatbread and enjoy the Turkish Shawarma!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 30g

Tips for the Perfect Shawarma

• Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F by using a meat thermometer.
• For a richer flavor, substitute some of the yogurt in the marinade with olive oil.
• Add other vegetables to your liking, such as cucumbers, pickles, or bell peppers.
• Drizzle the finished shawarma with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.

Conclusion

Turkish shawarma is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With its flavorful spices and fresh vegetables, it is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the taste of Turkey!

Authentic Turkish Shawarma (Chicken Döner)

foodifa

Learn how to make authentic Turkish shawarma at home in 6 simple steps! This flavorful Middle Eastern chicken döner recipe is easy, juicy, and perfect for wraps or meals.

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Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 2 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern, Turkish

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Meat:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into thin strips
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Salt to taste

For the Wrap:

• 4 large lavash flatbreads
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 1/2 cup chopped lettuce
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

 

• Marinate the Meat: In a bowl, mix all meat ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Prepare the Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until creamy. Set aside.
• Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Cook 8–10 minutes per side.
• Rest the Chicken: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Assemble the Shawarma: Warm flatbreads. Spread sauce, then layer with chicken, onion, tomato, lettuce, and parsley.
• Roll and Serve: Roll the wrap tightly. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
• Substitute yogurt with more olive oil for a richer taste.
• Add pickles or cucumbers for extra texture.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Keyword Chicken Döner, Homemade Shawarma, Middle Eastern Wrap, Shawarma Wrap, Turkish Shawarma